STRIP LIVING, CONTINUED FROM PG. 08
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neighborhood, he says he’s seen a number of improvements, and he welcomes more. “We support all of the residential developments,” Firman says. “I think it’s going to positively impact the nightlife and businesses.” While Firman welcomes the new development, local DJ Aaron Clark worries he and others like him will soon have to relocate after-hours events they hold at Club Pittsburgh, a venue in the Strip District. “We know that we’ll have to go eventually because it’s inevitable,” Clark says. “Residents are always going to complain about noise, even if the noise was there first.” Hot Mass, the after-hours cooperative event Clark helps organize with several others, brings in noted DJs from around the globe. The event’s central location makes is a draw for locals coming from areas across the city, and its proximity to nearby hotels makes it easier for organizers to find lodging for visiting artists, says Clark. But Clark doesn’t know how long the events will continue after the completion of a 59-unit development set to be located a block from Club Pittsburgh, at 1100 Smallman St. He anticipates neighbors will complain about the noise. Rodgers didn’t comment on the Hot Mass events specifically, but said daytime and nighttime businesses are going to have to make “adjustments.” But if businesses don’t break the law, including having “music at a certain level, they’re entitled to their freedoms to operate their business. If a
nighttime business is doing that, everyone can live together peacefully,” Rodgers says. Still, Clark worries about other business owners being displaced as landlords look for ways to capitalize on the impending development. “It’s a lot of people that are going to move in,” Clark says. “The thing is, do all of these businesses that have been there forever own their buildings? If they’re leasing space, that’s where it gets tricky, because landlords only see dollar signs.” Despite Clark’s concerns, several local business owners are excited to have more residents in their neighborhood. Pamela’s Diner co-owner Gail Klingensmith says she and her partner chose the Strip District to expand their franchise because of its neighborhood feel and more residents will only add to it. “Even when there were not a lot of people living there, there was a neighborhood feel,” says Klingensmith. “We loved the neighborhood, we loved the diversity.” In the 10 years since Klingensmith opened the Strip District location, she says the neighborhood has steadily improved. And she doesn’t see the neighborhood losing its identity anytime soon. “If I could live anywhere in the city, I would buy a unit in the Strip District, and I’m 60,” Klingensmith says. “There’s so much culture and diversity there and everyone is welcome. It’s a multi-ethnic neighborhood. Everyone has a little bit of ownership there.” RN UT TA L L @ P G HC I T Y PA P E R. C OM
{BY MATT BORS}
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PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER 08.27/09.03.2014
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